Boneyard Creek Improvements Project
The Boneyard Creek Improvements Project will involve implementation of the recommendations made in the Boneyard Creek Master Plan between Griggs Street and Broadway Avenue. The project create a central park that will bring value to the community. Also planned is the reconstruction of the Race Street Bridge. The project will integrate proposed beautification improvements with the new bridge construction, and create a small urban park that can be connected on both sides of Race Street below the bridge.
The plan proposes an outdoor gathering space and plaza on the east side of Race Street. The existing railroad trestle bridge will be maintained in its original position, but will be upgraded to include a decked walkway and decorative guardrail. The bridge will also connect pedestrians from Race Street to the Station Theater at the street grade elevation.
The pedestrian trail will continue north of the existing rail line to an area that will be more natural in character. Improvements in this area will include: creating a low-flow channel, maintaining mature trees, and revegetating the ground layer plants to preserve the natural feeling that currently exists. A trail will be created through one of the culverts so that the park is connected on the north and south sides of the rail tracks. The trail will be raised so that it is both safe for pedestrians and will not impact flood levels.
Included in the project are the reconstruction of Race Street from Griggs Street to Park Street and the resurfacing of Broadway Avenue from Water Street to University Avenue along with streetscape improvements to both streets. The road cross section on Broadway Avenue will be reduced to provide on street bike lanes and wider parkways.
The City Council accepted the conceptual level design and approved proceeding with the final engineering design for the project on May 9, 2011.
